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CPA: Certified Pastry Aficionado

Cuban Pulled Pork Sliders

Cuban Pulled Pork Sliders

appetizer· pork entrees· sandwiches & wraps· Tailgating Recipes
January 31, 2022

Cuban Pulled Pork Sliders – Traditional ingredients of a Cuban sandwich are placed between dinner rolls to make perfectly-sized sliders….
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Football Cheeseball

Football Cheeseball

appetizer· dips· Tailgating Recipes
January 24, 2022

Football Cheeseball – A zesty mix of cream cheese, ranch seasoning, and diced veggies are shaped into a football and…
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Healthy Greek Nachos

Healthy Greek Nachos

appetizer· Summertime Favorites· Tailgating Recipes
January 20, 2022

Healthy Greek Nachos – English cucumbers are sliced and topped with a mixture of tomatoes, Kalamata olives, feta, and Greek…
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Cheddar Sesame Crackers

Cheddar Sesame Crackers

appetizer· Easter· snacks· Tailgating Recipes
January 10, 2022

Cheddar Sesame Crackers – Crispy, buttery crackers loaded with cheddar cheese and topped with sesame seeds I used to think…
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Fried Goat Cheese Balls

Fried Goat Cheese Balls

appetizer· Easter· Holiday Favorites· Valentine's Day
January 6, 2022

Fried Goat Cheese Balls – Soft goat cheese is rolled in panko breadcrumbs, fried until golden brown, and served with…
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Fig & Goat Cheese Crostini

Fig & Goat Cheese Crostini

appetizer· Holiday Favorites
December 6, 2021

collage of photos of fig and goat cheese crostini with descriptive text

Sweet Potato Cornbread

Sweet Potato Cornbread

appetizer· bread· Fall Flavors· Holiday Favorites
November 1, 2021

Sweet Potato Cornbread – Classic cornbread is given a fall enhancement with the addition of pumpkin spice and sweet potato….
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Hi, my name is Sharon. I’m an accountant by day, risk-taking baker and food enthusiast by night. Come join me as I share my favorite recipes and test out new ones along the way!

fall flavors

zoomed in shot of a plate of stacked chocolate gingerbread truffles with one with a bite out of it, shot from a side angle

Chocolate Gingerbread Truffles

two copper mugs filled with holiday mule drinks and a pitcher in the background

Holiday Mule

slice of pistachio loaf on a cutting board with the rest of the loaf in the background

Pistachio Loaf

apple cinnamon monkey bread with a chunk out of it and sliced apples in front, shot from a side angle

Apple Cinnamon Monkey Bread

styled shot of Turkey Noodle Soup

Turkey Noodle Soup

close up of two brown sugar cinnamon cookie bars stacked on top of each other

Brown Sugar Cinnamon Cookie Bars

ORDER MY NEW COOKBOOK NOW!

photo of entertaining made easy cookbook available for preorder now

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holiday favorite

apple cinnamon charlotte sitting on a plate with cinnamon sabayon sliced in half to reveal the apples in the center

Apple Cinnamon Charlotte

cherry almond pastry cake with a wedge removed

Cherry Almond Pastry Cake

baked brie with roasted pears and walnuts on top

Roasted Pear Baked Brie

close up of two brown sugar cinnamon cookie bars stacked on top of each other

Brown Sugar Cinnamon Cookie Bars

Almond Butter Chocolate Tarts on a platter with a spoon of almond butter on it, shot from a side angle

Almond Butter Chocolate Tarts

 

I combined two breakfast classics into one AMAZING I combined two breakfast classics into one AMAZING treat - fluffy homemade cinnamon rolls filled with sliced bananas, chopped walnuts, brown sugar, and cinnamon. 

These Banana Nut Cinnamon Rolls are the breakfast dream you never knew you needed!

Here's what makes them INCREDIBLE:
✨ Fluffy, gooey homemade cinnamon rolls
✨ Fresh banana slices + crunchy walnuts in every bite
✨ Cream cheese frosting with optional walnut topping
✨ Brown sugar cinnamon filling

The secret? I replaced the egg in the dough with mashed banana, which adds SO much flavor without affecting the texture. 

The rolls come out just as fluffy and soft as traditional cinnamon rolls, but with that amazing banana bread taste we all love!

Yes, homemade cinnamon rolls take time (about 3 hours total with rising), but they are SO WORTH IT. 

The keys to success:
🔸 Use fresh yeast (make sure it foams!)
🔸 Knead the dough for the full 5 minutes
🔸 Don't rush the proofing time - fluffy rolls need time to rise!

These are perfect for weekend brunch, special occasions, or any time you want to seriously impress! The combo of bananas, walnuts, and cinnamon is absolutely divine.

Pro tip: You can prep these the night before! Let them do the second rise in the fridge overnight, then bake fresh in the morning. Your house will smell AMAZING! 

Want the full recipe? https://www.certifiedpastryaficionado.com/banana-nut-cinnamon-rolls/
This Pumpkin Crumb Cake is everything you love abo This Pumpkin Crumb Cake is everything you love about coffeehouse crumb cake, but with cozy pumpkin spice vibes! Dense, moist pumpkin cake topped with the most incredible crispy cinnamon sugar crumbs. It's the perfect fall treat!

What makes this crumb cake SO good:
✨ Whole can of pumpkin puree for maximum flavor
✨ Pumpkin pie spices (cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, cloves)
✨ Super moist, slightly dense texture (in the best way!)
✨ Crispy, buttery cinnamon crumb topping
✨ Perfect with your morning coffee or afternoon tea

This is one of my all-time favorite coffeehouse treats, and the pumpkin version is PERFECT for fall! The cake is incredibly moist thanks to the pumpkin puree, and those crispy crumbs on top add the most satisfying texture contrast. It's divine!

You can serve it warm or at room temperature, and it stays fresh for days (if it lasts that long!). 

Perfect for:
🍂 Fall breakfast or brunch
🎃 Thanksgiving dessert
☕ Weekend coffee date at home
🍁 Cozy autumn afternoons

Pro tip: Make the crumb topping first and chill it in the fridge while you make the batter. This helps the crumbs stay crispy during baking!

Want the full recipe? https://www.certifiedpastryaficionado.com/pumpkin-crumb-cake/
All your favorite breakfast foods in ONE dish - ba All your favorite breakfast foods in ONE dish - bacon, sausage, eggs, cheese, and CRISPY tater tots on top! This Cheesy Tater Tot Breakfast Casserole is about to become your family's new favorite weekend breakfast.

Here's what makes it AMAZING:
✨ Feeds 8-10 people (perfect for gatherings!)
✨ Crispy golden tater tots on top (not mushy!)
✨ Packed with bacon AND sausage
✨ Sharp cheddar makes it extra cheesy
✨ Easy to customize with your favorites

The tater tots get perfectly crispy and golden on top while everything underneath becomes this incredible cheesy, savory heaven. My husband (who is OBSESSED with breakfast food) said this was one of the best breakfast dishes I've ever made. 

Pro tips:
🔸 Keep tots frozen until you add them to the casserole
🔸 Shred your own cheese for the best melt
🔸 Hot sausage adds flavor without being too spicy
🔸 Let it rest 10 minutes before serving

This is PERFECT for Christmas morning, Easter brunch, Mother's Day, or literally any weekend when you want to treat your family to something special! Plus, the leftovers reheat beautifully for easy breakfasts all week.

Want the full recipe? Comment CASSEROLE below and I'll send it to your DMs!

What do you usually make for family breakfasts? Let me know! 👇

#TaterTotCasserole #BreakfastCasserole #TaterTots #BreakfastRecipe #BrunchIdeas #EasyBreakfast #FamilyBreakfast #BreakfastForDinner #CasseroleRecipe #CheeseyCasserole #WeekendBrunch #BreakfastBake #ComfortFood #HolidayBrunch #BreakfastIdeas #EasyBrunch #BaconAndEggs #SausageCasserole #FamilyFavorite #BrunchRecipe #EasyRecipes #HomeCooking #YummyBreakfast
The ULTIMATE Slow Cooker Short Ribs Recipe 🍷🥩

These are hands down the most tender, fall-off-the-bone short ribs you'll ever make! The secret? A rich red wine gravy that transforms these beef ribs into pure melt-in-your-mouth magic.

I'm not exaggerating when I say these are more tender than any smoked brisket I've had. The bone literally falls out after cooking, and you won't need a knife - just a fork!

Why you'll LOVE this recipe:
✨ Fork-tender, fall-apart beef
✨ Rich red wine gravy (SO flavorful!)
✨ Made in your slow cooker - minimal effort
✨ Perfect for Sunday dinner or special occasions
✨ Looks impressive but surprisingly easy

The key is searing the ribs first for that gorgeous crust (don't skip this step!), then letting the slow cooker work its magic for 7-8 hours. 

The red wine and beef complement each other beautifully and create the most incredible depth of flavor.

Serve these over fluffy mashed potatoes or hearty pappardelle pasta to soak up all that amazing gravy! Trust me, you'll want every last drop.

Want the full recipe? Comment RIBS below and I'll send it straight to your DMs! 💌
What's your favorite slow cooker meal? Let me know! 👇

#SlowCookerShortRibs #ShortRibsRecipe #SlowCookerRecipes #CrockpotRecipes #BeefShortRibs #RedWineGravy #SundayDinner #ComfortFood #SlowCookerMeals #FallOffTheBone #TenderBeef #EasyDinner #CrockpotCooking #BeefRecipes #SlowCookerDinner #ForkTender #DinnerRecipe #ComfortFoodRecipes #SlowCookerBeef #FamilyDinner #WineRecipes #BraisedBeef #SundaySupper #HomeCooking #DinnerIdeas #MeatRecipes #FoodBlogger #EasyRecipes #Foodie #DeliciousDinner
The EASIEST Pistachio Biscotti Recipe ☕🥜 Eve The EASIEST Pistachio Biscotti Recipe ☕🥜

Ever wondered how to make those fancy Italian cookies you see at the coffee shop? Turns out they're SO much easier than you think! 

These twice-baked pistachio biscotti are crunchy, nutty, and absolutely perfect for dunking into your morning coffee or afternoon espresso.

Here's why you'll love this recipe:
✨ Simple ingredients you probably already have
✨ Pistachios add the perfect nutty flavor
✨ They stay fresh all week (hello, meal prep!)
✨ Make amazing homemade gifts

The secret? They're baked twice - first as a log, then sliced and baked again for that signature crunch. The almond extract brings out the pistachio flavor beautifully, and trust me, once you try dunking these into your coffee, you'll never go back!

Want the full recipe? Comment BISCOTTI below and I'll send it straight to your DMs! 💌

Have you made biscotti before? What's your favorite flavor? Let me know! 👇

#PistachioBiscotti #BiscottiRecipe #ItalianCookies #CoffeeCookies #HomemadeBiscotti #PistachioRecipes #BakingFromScratch #ItalianBaking #DunkingCookies #CoffeePairing #EasyBaking #BiscottiLove #HomemadeCookies #PistachioDesserts #CookieRecipe #BakeAtHome #ItalianDesserts #CoffeeTime #FoodBlogger #RecipeOfTheDay #BakingBlog #DessertRecipes #NuttyDesserts #TwiceBaked #EspressoCookies #CrunchyCookies #HomemadeTreats #BakingInspiration #FoodPhotography #Cookies

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